Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Check this out!!

Just learned about this blog, "To Stitch or Not to Stitch", and thought you might like to check out her amazing stitching! She's also having a giveaway, so hurry on over and check it out!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

A little of this....a little of that...

Hi!  Just thought I would drop a note here to let you know what I've been up to...

I was expecting a nice quiet day today and was hoping to get some stitching done.  I woke up before the guys, got my cinnamon bagel with cream cheese and my Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut coffee and started reading e-mails.  I saw a notice on facebook that someone else was stitching and wanted folks to join her, so off I went to pick up part 6 of The Great Escape offered on The Stitch Specialists  yahoo group and began stitching.  I actually got both of the stitches done before the guys woke up and then suddenly my day was interrupted...



DH decided he wanted to set up the Christmas tree today, BUT FIRST (see, I'm not the only one to suffer from but first disease...it runs rampant in our family...LOL) he decided we would do a thorough cleaning.  Suddenly furniture was being moved, out came the mops, brooms, vacuum cleaner, the drapes were taken down (only to find they are dry clean only...) every figurine (and I've decided I have WAY Too many!!) was dusted, shined and rearranged and out came some of the Christmas decorations.  Hours later the living room was HALF finished and the Christmas tree was assembled.  Then it was time to head for church so everything is in a pile in the middle of the room waiting for stage two tomorrow when we decorate the tree.  Thomas decided to place himself in the center and supervise the operation.  Poor DH was getting directions from all sides.  LOL

  
I have a good excuse for not getting too much in the middle of cleaning things.  The last day I worked I had to leave early as I lost a fight with a plastic doohickey I was trying to trim with a utility knife.  The knife slipped and made a bee line for my index finger.  Why do extremities bleed like fury?  Before I could grab a paper towel, run around the work table and turn on the tap I had left quite a trail...and now I'm wondering if I'm anemic again?  LOL  The bad thing is that I cut the finger on my left hand, the side that I am struggling with lymph edema.  *sigh*  So...off to the clinic I went to get some steri-strips to "tape" up my finger (they decided they wouldn't use stitches since I'm not supposed to have needles in that arm) and some antibiotics and hopefully I won't have too much of an issue with swelling.  I have had some aching, and I'm wearing my sleeve so hopefully it won't get too bad, I really don't have time for physical therapy right now!!  So that means, I can't do dishes, or get my finger wet...DARN...LOL!!

Well, here I am struggling to stay awake, I have to stay up to take my antibiotic but maybe I can get a few stitches in before I lose all my get-up-and-go!  Have a good night.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

What a beautiful day!  Finally after several days of rain we awoke to a beautiful blue sky and sunshine.  It promises to be a lovely day with mild temperatures.  The guys will be able to get outdoors and "blow the stink off" as my Mother would say.  It's early and the guys are still asleep after their late night out at the hockey game.  The Caps won again in overtime...GO CAPS!!  So I have a few minutes to reflect on the day and what it means to me.
 
To quote my cousin, I'm thankful I'm not a turkey today!  Although a couple of turkeys were pardoned at the White House yesterday.  And to think they almost made the turkey our national bird.  Thankfully Benjamin Franklin didn't get his way!  Ours will soon be in the oven and the smells will fill the house.  I'm hungry just thinking about that!  There are so many things to be thankful for this year.  For a God who provides in the most intimate ways.  For a husband and son who are loving and kind.  For  a year full of blessings of good friends and family.  For health and for comfort and peace.  Those are what I'm truly thankful for!

I spent the early part of this week with some friends.  With the lovely  Miss M who's birthday was yesterday, and this is the gift I gave her.

 

I reconnected with a former co-worker that I haven't seen in a while, but who used to come and crawl in my bed and watch movies with me when I was going through chemo.  Thanks for going to the movies with me, Miss C, I love spending time with you, and your wonderful sense of humor keeps me in stitches!  

I had to throw in this picture of the little yellow cat that comes to visit Thomas.  They used to sit and hiss at one another and try to bat one another through the sliding glass door.  Now they curl up on either side of the glass and keep each other company.  We aren't sure if he/she belongs to anyone, but what a lovey dovey kitty!  We aren't sure what to do, whether to give Thomas a playmate, or what?  I started calling him/her Garfield...Gar for short.  Whatever will we do with Gar?

 

The turkey picture you see above is the turkey from my wooden nativity we got while we lived in Germany.  There are many interesting pieces in this nativity, but as I was searching for turkey pictures for my blog, that little guy came into mind.  And then I got the brilliant idea of putting the blessed family behind him, because what comes after Thanksgiving?  A picture is worth a thousand words!  To you and yours, may you have a truly Blessed Thanksgiving! 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Unexpected blessings...

Good morning friends!

This has been an interesting week, so much has gone on I can't believe only a week has gone by!!  Tis the season I guess.  I always feel like I've been shot out of a cannon during the short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas (traveling at the speed of light without the ability to slow down or alter my course), and this year the economy is crying in pain and the businesses have decided to start the Christmas rush even sooner...the day after Halloween.   People are starting to shop, and I guess that's a good thing, but it's not the "strolling through the aisle, contemplating the perfect gift" kind of shopping, it's the "gotta have gotta get the biggest the best at the best price at midnight Black Friday" kind of shopping where you need protective clothing just to step into the concourse at the local mall.  I actually saw a young lady standing in a parking spot close to the doors of the mall arguing with an elderly lady in a car trying to park in that spot.  I quickly walked away because they looked at me with daggers in their eyes.  Where have our manners gone?  What happened to "Good will toward men"?  I usually try to have my shopping done by this time of year (unfortunately, I'm not quite there yet).  Mainly because I don't have time because we become very busy at the store and I have no free time, but also because I don't have the body armor needed to jump into the fray at the mall.  This year I'm going to try focusing on the reason for the season and try to keep my "good will toward men" flowing through the holiday.  

Well I had some good news this morning, and it always amazes me when this happens.  I HAVE been shopping, and had SOME unexpected expenses, and yesterday my bank statement came in the mail.  I DREAD balancing my checkbook, and as I dragged it out of my purse I realized it had been TWO months since I last balanced it.  I started to fret, sweat and issue myself a threat...where had last month's statement gone and why don't I keep the balance tabulated?  After a frantic search, a few kicks to my behind, nearly an hour of checking off withdrawls, checks and deposits, I finally had it balanced...and I have more money than I thought I did!  *wiping sweat from brow*  It even balanced to the penny on the first inspection!! WHEW!!  Christmas shopping can now resume, with a little less pressure, though I will be more careful of how much is in there!

Because of all the busy-ness I haven't had much chance to stitch, and I have to tell you, I never realized how much of a stress-reliever my hobby has become!  I think I'll try to schedule some time to stitch in my calendar so I can lower the anxiety I sometimes feel this time of year.  Sorry, boss, but I learned to appreciate life while I was convalescing!  LOL  I care about your business, but I care more deeply about my family!  But I digress...would you like to see pictures of what I've been up to?  Well...I can't show you everything, some of the things I've been stitching are gifts, so I'll post them in a couple of weeks.  It's tough having friends Birthdays so close to Christmas, but onwards and upwards, I always say!

I finally finished the SAL that was offered on The Threadbasket site.  I thought this was so cute, and if I get a chance, I may try to get it framed for the winter season after Christmas.

 

I was also able to finish off part 5 of The Great Escape being offered on The Stitch Specialists yahoo group, designer Abi Gurden.  This has been an enjoyable stitch!

 

One thing I would like to mention, Astrid, Denise and I are planning a SAL of a pattern called "Our Nation" from Bygone Stitches.  This is laid out in the shape of an American flag and lists the 50 states in the order they became members of the union.  We will be starting in the new year.  We found the pattern at the Needleart show and I found a sale at Bush Mountain to get some of the materials I couldn't find at my LNS.  I had a little trouble with the website, so I called her on the phone and had a very pleasant experience with her.  I've ordered from her before and she is very prompt with her shipments, even with things that are out of stock!  So...watch this space for our progress after the New Year.


So...there you have it!  I will post more stitching in a few weeks, after I find out the gifts I'll be sending out soon have been received.  If I don't have a chance to post before Thanksgiving, please have an enjoyable one, filled with good food, good memories, a heart full of thankfulness and an attitude of gratitude.  As my Bible Study leader says...Peace Out... (anyone know what that means?  LOL) 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

What a day!

Hello!!

I've been informed by my guys that I have an hour to write this post, so I'll get right to it.  After all, Cheeburger, Cheeburger is not just a burger joint and we want time to savor the ambiance before heading to church tonight.  *rolling eyes*  (See, human thesaurus...I can use big words and I know how to spell them too!...see previous post)


Where do I begin?  I guess with the most exciting!  I finally met Denise, a very lovely person I've been e-mailing for the past week or so.  We met up and traveled to Montpelier Mansion to visit the Needleart show.  While we were there, we ran into Danielle and VegasJilly.  They had been to the stitching retreat (which sounds like a blast, I may have to do that next year...we'll see) and knew Denise, so we chit chatted for a bit.  It was really nice meeting all of you today!

I've gotten a few minutes to stitch and have caught up on the Threadbasket SAL, only one more part to go! 

 
I also finished up on the November owl from the Oakhaven SAL.  Only one more part to go (hm...I sound a little like a broken record there...LOL)

 



I received the nicest letter from Babs, which my son brought in from the mailbox and didn't tell me.  I happened to stumble across it today.  I'm so sorry I didn't acknowledge it before today, Babs, I hope that doesn't happen again, I LOVE getting mail...don't you?  Such a sweet letter, and as soon as I get a chance, I'll write back.


I've been putting in a few more hours here and there at the store.  I really enjoy working, but there never seems to be enough hours in the day to work, and spend time with family, friends and stitching. The closer we get to Christmas the worse it is going to become.  It leaves me a bit distracted, so don't be surprised if you see a little less of me for a while.  (Now that I've said that I'll probably be posting all the time...LOL  *wink*)

Off to head to dinner.  I can't believe how much I've accomplished today!  Thanks for meeting up with me today Denise, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention this...DS's friend T has been in the ICU for a couple of days now.  It's a long story, but he's slowly improving and still needs your prayers.  They are hoping to get him back to his old room tomorrow, but it's a pretty touchy situation. Please pray for him if you think of it, he's a very sick young man!  Thanks.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Paying it forward

Hi Folks!

A while ago I won a contest on Mouse's blog  with directions that she would stitch something for me, but I would have to have the same contest on my blog and stitch something for someone else.  I picked Astrid's name out of the hat and today I presented her with her stitched object.  Here is a picture of her holding her gift!



I've been posting things I'm thankful for on facebook each morning.  Today I found this quote posted by a friend of mine, so I took a picture I had taken a few days ago and superimposed the words using powerpoint.   I think the effect came out really nice.  



I am grateful for my son who had to help me type this because I am old and forgetful and need help expanding my colloquial language, he is my human thesaurus.

Just for clarification....all that is typed in red  is written by my son, and I just wanted to say, there is no conceit in my family because my son has it all!

This is what happens when you have a laptop and he has a wireless keyboard...he can type while I'm typing as well, sometimes there is no justice in this world, as I should have remote brake and accelerator pedals and a remote steering wheel, don't you think?

Just for clarification I had to help my mother use pedals instead of "petals".

To which I replied, That's why I send you to school, I was just checking to make sure they are teaching you correctly!

I need to go now, I'm beginning to feel schizo... I'm sorry I can't spell today. I have to ask my son who was not trained in nursing to help me spell schizophrenic.  I guess he is my human dictionary as well. I sincerely hope you are having a better day than I am!  *Hugs*

Sunday, November 6, 2011

We have a winner or two...

Hi there!

My buddy, Astrid, and I have been busy this weekend!  Friday Astrid, her MIL and I went to the Howard County Arts and Crafts fair.  It was there we met Woofi!!  You can learn more by clicking on Woofi, but essentially, if you buy one Woofi, another one is sent to a child somewhere in the world, it's a way of spreading God's love and the Good News around the world.  If you are interested in learning more please click on the link.  This is the softest, cuddliest little dog, and as soon as Suzanne placed him in my  hands, I knew I had to send him somewhere!  He comes in two sizes, and I bought two smaller ones to include in two Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes too.  He has a little tag that says "Precious are the feet who bring the Good News".  Their program really touched my heart!



Before I forget, please check out Astrid's blog, she is having a really cool give-away and challenge! http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com/  The next day we went to the Needleart Exhibit at Montpelier Mansion to see how my entries had done.  I was surprised and pleased to see that some of my pieces had won ribbons.  I wasn't surprised that not all of them had won, I have six pieces and only entered 4 categories...so here are pictures of the ones that received ribbons.  I must thank Astrid and her amazing photography skills for these pictures.  Thanks for going with me and sharing my surprise and joy, Astrid!


First place in the Counted Cross Stitch on Aida... Hidden Spirits, a Dimensions Cross Stitch Gold Collection kit...


First place in the Petite Point category... Rose Quaker by Stikideen von der Weihenburg




And finally, Honorable Mention for Little Lace Hardanger designed by Abi Gurden from The Stitch Specialists yahoo group.

 

 

I'm pretty sure the last was a very generous nod to the framing job we did....LOL  as it was a learning piece for me, my very first Hardanger, (The stitching wasn't THAT good...trust me!!) but the framing was unique and I'm sure that's what caught their eye. 

Astrid and I had a good time, but I just want anyone else who wants to go to know, I'm more than willing to go again.  It is always amazing to see what others are doing with their needles and threads.  There were more than a few pieces there I would love to stitch, I even bought a couple of patterns that are for sale there.


Last, but not least, is a picture of one of my current SAL's that I have completed the second part of.  Just in time as the third part comes out tomorrow!


Just a little reminder to pray for T.  I mentioned him a few posts back, he's a 15 year old friend of my son's who is battling leukemia and has been having severe difficulties with his second round of chemo.  He is in severe pain, unable to eat, and they are not able to keep an NG tube down.  There is good news, though, they have found a donor match for him, though he will have to get his numbers and weight back up before they can attempt the bone marrow transplant.  I pray for him multiple times daily, and hope you will join in prayer with me.

And THAT, as they say is THAT!  Hope you are having a great Sunday.  I have been posting daily on facebook, things that I am thankful for in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.  It's been a grand way to prepare my heart for the day, and a wonderful way to count your blessings.  I encourage you to give it a try!  And I leave you with a quote from the movie, The Wizard of Oz.  I watched it with my husband last night, bringing back fond memories of our childhoods.  "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much others love you."  The Wizard of Oz.